BANGOR, Maine — Bangor police continue to investigate a rash of purse thefts that have hit the city since December.

Sgt. Paul Edwards said Tuesday that the department’s special response team has released surveillance images of a woman of interest in the cases.

The images show a woman leaving Shaw’s Supermarket on Main Street with a large pocketbook in her hands.

Police are advising people to keep a close eye on their pocketbooks at all times, according to Edwards. Most purse thefts happen in a flash, and the suspects are typically gone quickly, the sergeant said.

Anyone who knows the identity of the woman in the surveillance images should contact Officers Brian Smith or Joe Baillargeon at 947-7382, ext. 5801, or press 6 to use the department’s tip line.